Syracuse, N.Y. -- An orthopedic surgeon under criminal investigation at St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center is now operating at Crouse Hospital.

Dr. Michael T. Clarke started performing surgery at Crouse two weeks ago, said Bob Allen, a Crouse vice president. Although Clarke had privileges at Crouse, he had not previously done surgeries there, Allen said.

"We are aware of the issues at St. Joe's and are working with Dr. Clarke to ensure he is successful here," Allen said. "He's a surgeon of high quality with stellar patient outcomes."

As it does with all new doctors, Crouse is orienting Clarke to the hospital's organizational culture and values, how its operating rooms work and making sure he has the appropriate support staff and equipment, Allen said.

Clarke's attorney said the doctor has not been charged with anything and denies any allegations of wrongdoing.

St. Joseph's said in a recent memo to surgeons and anesthesiologists it expects to be cited by the state Health Department for numerous incidents of inappropriate conduct in its operating rooms over the past year. The incidents prompted the hospital to consider installing video cameras in its operating rooms. The hospital later dropped that idea. The hospital said the incidents did not result in patient harm.

Kathryn Ruscitto, president and CEO of St. Joseph's, referred to the OR problems Monday in a weekly blog post published on the hospital's website. She said employees need to speak up if they see problems with staff behavior or patient care.

"We recently became aware of an incident that may have involved some inappropriate behavior in our operating room, and may have gone on for some time," Ruscitto wrote. "There are a number of people looking into this matter, and we need to be careful not to draw conclusions until the full investigation is complete. But it certainly suggests the point that the airport security personnel are always making: 'If you see something, say something.'"

Patients, family members, employees, doctors or volunteers have a responsibility to report as soon as possible any concerns they have about patient care or staff behavior.

"It also means that every manager at St. Joseph's - from floor supervisors to department heads to vice presidents - must take any concerns raised seriously," she wrote.